The Bomod-ok Falls - or simply the Big Falls — is one of Sagada’s most visited and sought-after attractions. Despite being one of the few sites of interest that is a few minutes’ hike from the town center, countless visitors still brave the long trek to admire the 200-feet tall column of water as it splashes down on the cold pools below.
To get to the Big Falls, one must hire a guide from the Tourism Desk at the Town Hall care of the Sagada Environmental Guides Association (SEGA) or the office of the newly-established Sagada Genuine Guides Association (SAGGAS). For the former, the charge for a group of 10 people or less is a pretty affordable rate of 600 pesos (~15 USD). Use this to your advantage! Look for other small groups who would be willing to split the fee with you. Who knows, you might even make friends in the process.
The trail to the Big Falls would take you on a long and exhausting trek along the sides of countless rice terraces! You literally walk between rice paddies and scale the elevated portions to the lower levels through the use of the sturdy stone walls of the terraces. The ingenuity of these people would totally impress you. The rocks were once in the river bed but thanks to the great minds and muscles of the ancestors of the present day Sagadans, this great construction project is in existence for all of us to see and appreciate.
You can walk from the town proper to the falls, but that would take roughly three to four hours of trekking. The descent to the falls itself is quite challenging especially for those people who are not used to much exercise. To make it easier on the legs and ankles, you may rent a jeep or van for 600 pesos (~ 15 USD) more to have it take you to the last town navigable by road. Since this will be quite a physical activity make sure that you have enough water with you. You will not see a lot of stores along the way. It will also be more advantageous if you start your trip in the early morning (say 6-7 AM) when the sun is still not beating hard on you. Wear comfortable and cool clothing and make sure to slap on some sunblock. If you intend to go swimming, bring a change of clothes. Be wary of the fact that there are no man-made structures near the falls so there are no such things as dressing rooms or shower areas.
The barrangays (townships under a town) of Aguid and Banga-an are the entry points to the Big Falls. The Banga-an route is much easier because most of the trail is comprised of concrete walkways along the terraces. Though the steps are steep, it’s still much manageable compared to what awaits you in Aguid.
On the former, you will be walking along the caked soil of the terraces borders. You better have good balance because one false move could send you dropping at least 8 feet to the level below. If you accidentally step on a paddy, you’ll probably sink to your knees. How do I know? Well, experience is the best teacher! Hehe
Here’s our friend from Korea who took a really messy spill. :p
The two paths from Aguid and Banga-an meet a few hundred meters from the falls. The trail now becomes a delicately matted and sculpted path of rocks in between a very deep ravine and a slow moving stream. If you’re not sure of your ability to balance, don’t try to impress anyone. Walk along the stream like I did! If you are to fall though, there are plenty of foliage and plants to grab on to just in case. But then again, we wouldn’t want to take that chance, right?
The trail then changes to a maze-like combination of large rocks partially submerged in water. Beware of these rocks. They are very slippery and there is a big chance of getting caught off guard. Be alert at all times!
Once you reach the pool, you’ll realize that the water is very cold. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt to even go to the deeper parts. The cold could tire you easily and all the shivering could make it hard for you to make efficient strokes across the water.
Make sure that you have enough energy for the return trip - don’t forget that it’s a steep ascent. 
Have fun and stay safe!
Viewed 2372 times by 1052 viewers
By the way Benj, do you have like a sample itinerary in exploring Sagada so that we can take it as reference in going there?
Comment by Jen — March 14, 2008 @ 9:34 pm
Jen, we actually have plans of posting sample itineraries, but for the mean time, let us wait for Benj’s reply, I think he has. I also have sample itineraries, I will send it to you also, so you can choose which itinerary to follow.
Comment by Angel — March 14, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Thank you Angel, I really appreciate it… I’m looking forward to check on that itinerary that you’ll be sending me…
Comment by Jen — March 14, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
Hi Angel, I rcv’d the itinerary sample.. Thank you…
Comment by Jen — March 17, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
If you guys decide to go down the path late, be on the trail up about an hour and a half before dusk. Another friendly tip: do not bring a heavy bag or you’ll pant like a dog going back up.
Comment by Fritz — March 18, 2008 @ 2:45 am
hello, planning to visit sagada on thursday & friday. may i have sample of itinerary too. thanks
Comment by mai — March 18, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
[...] Balugan, Bangaan (on the way to Bomod-ok Falls) and Kiltepan are where the rice terraces in this town can be found. Kiltepan which is bounded by [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » Tour: The Rice Terraces of Sagada — March 19, 2008 @ 12:07 am
Check your mail mai.
Comment by Angel — March 19, 2008 @ 9:05 am
@ Fritz:
I thought you’ve never been there?
Comment by Benj — March 20, 2008 @ 1:27 am
[...] the Big Falls (and other hikes): wear a shirt and comfortable pair of pants. You may be walking across patches of [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » Travel: What To Wear While In Sagada — March 20, 2008 @ 2:37 am
hi im nikki cn i have a sample of itinerary coz were planning to go in Sagada on march 27 thanks
Comment by nikki Lazaro — March 22, 2008 @ 12:23 am
hi nikki, check your email.
Comment by Angel — March 22, 2008 @ 10:17 am
Hi There! Can I also please have a copy of the itinerary and an idea of how much the entire 3D/2N (excluding travel) may cost? thanks so much!
Comment by Jools — March 22, 2008 @ 10:50 pm
can i also have a copy of itinerary? is there’s any travel package for 3d/2n going to sagada? thanks
Comment by eNocH — March 23, 2008 @ 12:21 am
I think the picture of the big falls in this article is not the “Big Falls” or Bomod-ok Falls found in Sagada. Thanks…
Comment by andrew — March 23, 2008 @ 12:45 am
Aight.Changed. :p
Comment by Benj — March 23, 2008 @ 12:54 am
eNocH and Jools, check your mailbox!
Comment by Angel — March 23, 2008 @ 9:59 am
my boyfriend and i are planning to go to sagada..
it’s a two-day leave..
please do give me some advice and itinerary as well..
we plan to leave manila sunday night to be in baguio by monday.. and will also leave sagada by tuesday..
thanks in advance!
Comment by Juli — April 21, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
I just sent you an email Juli. Cheers
Comment by Benj — April 21, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
[...] in this picture, the Bokong Falls is definitely no where near the size and majestic beauty of the Bomod-ok Falls (Big Falls) but since it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, it’s [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » Tour: Bokong Falls (Small Falls) — April 22, 2008 @ 5:06 am
[...] Bomod-ok Falls (Big Falls) [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » How To Tour Sagada — May 11, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
Hi! Is there other way of transportation to go to last town before “The Big Falls”? Because its a little costly if we rent a van of a jeep for 600 pesos.
Comment by Robert — May 28, 2008 @ 9:17 am
That’s one thing that I have yet to ask about. I think there’s a daily trip going to the area. Nobody seems to be taking that option. I’ll ask.
Comment by Benj — May 28, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
hello. =) may i also have a copy of the sample itinerary? is it advisable to go there in july? thanks! =)
Comment by pam — June 6, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Hi,
I’m planning to be off to Sagada around the first week of August. Siguro from here in Pampanga Friday Night and leave Sagada by Tuesday Morning.
Will these dates be a good time for all the worthy activities?
Can you send me a sample itinerary with the prizes and contact so we can plan ahead?
By the way we will be there in a group of 4 persons.
Comment by Ge Compay — June 9, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
hello, we’re planning to visit Sagada for the 2nd time this july3-5. Can you give us a sample itinerary for 3d/2n stay? Hehe our 1st time there was great but it’s just a 1 nyt stay and we were only able to explore small falls, echo valley and hanging coffins. So I’d greatly appreciate your suggestions. Thanks for the help. GOD Bless u all!
Comment by Riccz — June 10, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
Hello po…Can I also have a sample of 3d/2n itinerary? We’ll be goin’ there this july 3-6. It’s our 2nd time but our 1st encounter was just a one nyt stay so so we weren’t able to explore Sagada really.
Thank you & GOD Bless!
Comment by ricca — June 11, 2008 @ 11:36 am
Hi Riccz!
Did you mean 3-6 Jul you’ll already be in Sagada? You can use Angel’s [popular by a landslide] itinerary here and make changes as needed; e.g. you take out stuff you’ve done in your first visit
Comment by Jeff — June 11, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
Hello guys! We’ll be going to sagada on August 1 to 4. This site is very much useful to us sagada first timers. We already have our itinerary but can you give us your sample IT for 4 days and 3 nights (that includes travel time). Thank you. More power!
Comment by Jong — June 24, 2008 @ 9:53 pm
[...] Bomod-ok Falls (Big Falls) - is one of Sagada’s most visited and sought-after attractions. Despite being one of the few sites of interest that is a few minutes’ hike from the town center, countless visitors still brave the long trek to admire the 200-feet tall column of water as it splashes down on the cold pools below. [...]
Pingback by the Sagada ESCAPE plan « dreaming big… — June 27, 2008 @ 10:44 am
[...] from the Bokong Falls, the smaller of the two waterfalls open to tourists (the other, why yes, the Big Falls!). This jump is about 20-25 feet high. Des set the bar for the jump, and for the 3 of us other guys [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » Five things not to miss out on Sagada - #1: jump off a waterfall — June 28, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
Can I alos have a copy of a 3d / 2n itinerary? plus the costs? thanks in advance
Comment by cha — July 8, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Hi! I would like to request also a copy of the itinerary? thank you so much!
Comment by sheila — July 10, 2008 @ 9:44 am
hi i would like to request for a sample itinerary also.
Comment by sheila — July 10, 2008 @ 10:50 am
… I’ve been to sagada and it’s a wonderful place….
and if only I’ll be given another chance…i have a pic pa nga sa bokong falls eh…namumukhang mermaid daw..jeje…nasa friendster…(lady_glatea@yahoo.com)i wanna visit the marlboro country….I didnt see this yet but my couz told me that marlboro country is like new zealand
Comment by glatea — September 3, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Hi can i request for 3d/2n IT,our route will be manila-banaue-bontoc-sagada plus the cost na rin.hehe…thanks!
Comment by annie — September 8, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Hi guys. since everyone is asking for ITs and everyone is also nice to answer them, may i also ask for one. this will be much appreciated. Plan to go to Sagada next week. 3D/2N also. is it advisable to bring a Van to banaue and then go to Sagada by public transportation? or just take the Bus straight to Sagada. dalawa lang kami. Many Thanks.
Comment by Hermie — September 12, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Hi, since this page really is about the Big Falls, my question is related to it - just wondering if it is advisable to wear sandals during the trek? Or should we wear rubber shoes? Thanks!
Comment by Cricket — October 3, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
[...] caves with slippery calcified floors, steep & rocky mountain sides and freezing water from Bomod-ok falls. Or you can just choose to stay behind at the Residential Lodge and watch TV in Tita [...]
Pingback by Visit Sagada » Question: Should you bring a kid to Sagada? — October 8, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
I would like to request also a copy of the itinerary and cost? Thank you so much!!
Comment by michelle — October 29, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
hi guys!can i also ask for a copy of itinerary as well?and the cost please. that would be much appreciated.im planning to go to sagada next month. thanks a lot!
Comment by al — October 31, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
hi guys! im planning to visit Sagada this Dec. 6-8, 2008. please provide me a sample of itenirary for my 3days 2nights stay. will be travelling with my friends and a sister-in-law who is 60 years old.
thanks a lot.
Comment by Naomi O. Solis — November 24, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
hi guys! im planning to travel to sagada this dec. 6-8, 2008 with my friends and sister-in-law who is 60 years old. can you please provide me with itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights stay in Sagada?
thanks a lot.
Comment by Naomi O. Solis — November 24, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
hi guys! im planning to travel to sagada on dec. 6-8, 2008 with my friends and sister-in-law who is 60 years old. can you please provide me with itinerary for my 3 days and 2 nights stay in sagada?
thanks a lot.
naomi
Comment by Naomi O. Solis — November 24, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
hi guys! im planning to visit sagada this dec. 6-8, 2008 with my friends and my sister-in-law who is 60 years old. can you please provide me with itinerary for my 3 days and 2 nights stay in sagada?
thanks a lot.
naomi
Comment by Naomi O. Solis — November 24, 2008 @ 6:03 pm